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This playful metaphor check-in isn’t just a light-hearted question. It’s a gentle, creative way to invite emotional expression, especially for those who might not have the words to say it.

Metaphors help bypass shame, fear or overwhelm by offering safe distance. They allow children (and adults!) to reflect on their inner state with curiosity, instead of judgement.

A few examples:
🫐 A blueberry, small and quiet, but holding a lot inside.
🍉 A watermelon, I look fine on the outside but feel a bit messy inside.
🍎 An apple, balanced today, but easily bruised.
🍊 A grapefruit, bitter and bright, doing what’s best for me even if it’s uncomfortable.”

Metaphors activate both sides of the brain, supporting emotional regulation and connection.

So, what fruit are you today?

It’s moments like this that remind us why we do what we do; showing just how far the ripple effect of trauma-informed practice can reach.

To every practitioner, school, and community championing this work alongside us: thank you. Together, we’re building something powerful; one relationship, one training, one small change at a time. 💛

Our 11-day diploma course combines evidence-based theory with practical tools to help you create safer, more supportive environments across education, and community settings.

Learn how to:
🌱 Understand the impact of trauma
🌱 Use empathic responses
🌱 Lead relational change across your setting
🌱 Become an Emotionally Available Adult (EAA)

Do you work with children and young people, or support those who do? Then this course is designed to empower you to make lasting impact.

📍 Cardiff at @mynyddbychan
📅 September 2025
🔗 Link in bio to learn more and book your place!

A series of activities to promote play, regulation and connection this summer.

Whether you’re out in the garden, forest, or on a city walk, here are simple, low-resource ways to support wellbeing through nature play.

Nature Mandalas - Whilst the gathering of materials will activate the play and seeking systems, the repetitive, circular action and gentle sensory input of creating can also help regulate the nervous system.

Cloud Watching - Lie back and spot shapes in the clouds and make up a short story about what you see. This builds emotional co-regulation, curiosity and imagination.

Stone Balancing - Similar to the mandalas, it requires nothing more than what nature already has to offer. From mindful selection of stones to the patient balancing; a sensorily rich activity to regulate and soothe.

How will you be playing in nature this summer?

As we reflect on his passing, we’re reminded of his quiet brilliance in understanding what children need; to feel seen, safe, and understood through storytelling.

In trauma-informed work, we know how important this can be: stories can offer a safe way in. They help children and young people name emotions, find belonging, and begin to shape their own narrative.

Thank you Allan, for helping children find words, worlds, and wonder. 📚💛

Summer is often seen as a time of lightness, but for many, it’s also a moment for some much needed pause, to take a breath, and listen to what we need.
In trauma-informed practice, we recognise that rest isn’t a reward, it’s a requirement. 💛

Each item here represents an element to consider for your wellbeing; whether it's boundaries or shared joy, co-regulation or connection and reflection. 🧺

When we honour our own needs, we can show up more fully for others too.

We hope this post invites you to consider what your own self-care setup might look like this summer: what will support you to feel grounded, restored, and ready for the season ahead?

Drop an emoji in the comments to tell us what you may be adding to your picnic basket this summer!